Bale wasn't the only marquee player making his debut in the renowned rivalry. Barcelona's prodigious forward Neymar also took the pitch for the first time in this matchup, stealing the spotlight from Bale by notching the first goal of the match in the 19th minute.

What was considered a dream deal for Bale has turned out to be a sour ordeal thus far at Real Madrid. FOX Soccer noticed that he was displeased with his play as he sat on the bench in the closing minutes:

85: Want to see a miserable guy? Check out Gareth Bale on the Madrid bench. Not a happy man. 2-0

Who will prove to be the better high-profile transfer investment?

Who will prove to be the better high-profile transfer investment?

Gareth Bale, Real Madrid

23.7%

Neymar, Barcelona

76.3%

Total votes: 3,095

Bale's touches were limited, as the Catalan defense completely neutralised him. In the 45th minute, Bale earned a yellow card in a studs-up collision with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. It was not a good way to cap things off before the intermission.

At least on this day, Bale's detractors had a point. It was not his best effort by any stretch, and the fact that Neymar was able to upstage him in a match of this magnitude—especially since Neymar was brought to Camp Nou for a much smaller £48.6 million—makes matters even worse.

But this was a mere, brief glimpse into the future of El Clasico as Bale and Neymar gear up for their respective primes.

It should mark the first of many great battles, but Barcelona's Brazilian international clearly made a far stronger first impression Saturday.